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2008 Nissan Armada Sport Utility

Benefits of Driving a 2008 Nissan Armada Sport Utility

While most competing full-size SUVs come in an overwhelming array of models, the 2008 Nissan Armada comes only in two well equipped models, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive and a V8 that's larger and more powerful than most of the competing standard engines. Armada's V8 also has the flexibility to run on E85, to accept a mix of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. And with a 28-gallon fuel tank, the Armada has one of the longest cruising ranges among full-size SUVs.

What's new for 2008?

For 2008, Nissan's Armada SUV gets a revised appearance on the outside, with new front and rear fascias, new headlights and fog lamps, and a new one-piece roof rack. The interior is equipped and configured a bit better, with new interior fabrics, a gated shifter, a locking glove compartment, and new meter illumination.

Model Strengths

Towing and hauling ability

powerful standard V8

long driving range

long list of standard luxury and convenience features.

Model Review

The 2008 Nissan Armada sport utility comes in two models, SE and LE, both available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and both come only with a 317-horsepower, 5.6L V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode.

2008 Nissan Armada Sport Utility

2008 Nissan Armada: What's New

Nissan's full-size SUV, the Armada, returns to the lineup for 2008 with its 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 with 385 lb-ft of torque, class-leading towing capacity of up to 9100 pounds, and the capability to drive on ethanol-blend fuel.

This sturdy full-size SUV is based on the Titan pickup, so it's built on a fully boxed truck frame. It is offered with rear- or four-wheel drive and can handle up to eight passengers with standard second and third-row bench seats; second-row captain's chairs are also offered. Side-curtain airbags and stability control head a long list of standard features.

Automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seat, and the ability to play MP3-formatted CDs are all standard features.

The Armada is updated for 2008 with similar styling changes to those applied to the Titan full-size truck. Power heated folding mirrors have been made standard on LE versions, and the Tow Package is now standard on the SE Off-Road edition. New gauges have also been added, along with a lockable glove box.

The Armada also gets 20-inch wheels as an option, as well as a power folding third-row seat, woodgrain trim, a heated steering wheel, and the available Music Box audio and DVD navigation system.

2008 Nissan Armada Sport Utility

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.

Road Visibility

Accident Prevention

Security

2008 Nissan Armada Sport Utility

Original Warranty

Original Warranty

An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment.

The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including:

Basic Warranty:

Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters.

Drivetrain Warranty:

This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be.

Roadside Assistance:

The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car.

Corrosion Warranty:

This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal.

Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.

Basic

3 Years/36,000 Miles

Drivetrain

5 Years/60,000 Miles

Corrosion

5 Years/Unlimited Miles

Nissan Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points.

Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer.

Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include:

Age/Mileage Eligibility

To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers.

Lease Term Certified

Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less.

Point Inspection

These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details.

Return/Exchange Program

Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car.

Roadside Assistance

Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty.

Special Financing

Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers.

Transferable Warranty

When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect.

Warranty Deductible

This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.

7-year/100,000 mile limited warranty. Only Nissan models less than 6 years old and under 80,000 miles qualify for the Nissan Certified Pre-Owned program. The CARFAX® Vehicle History Report ensures your vehicle has a clean title history.